When you think about car accident injuries, you probably think about getting whiplash or developing a bruise from your seatbelt. However, there are a long list of additional injuries you can experience. One injury that doesn’t get much attention but is common, especially among front seat passengers, is dashboard knee.
This injury can lead to major discomfort when walking, and when coupled with other car accident injuries, can leave you feeling worse than you anticipate. Thankfully, with the support of a reliable chiropractic team, you can quickly address any joint and leg pain you may be experiencing and restore your comfort during the day.
In this blog, we’ll explore what dashboard knee is, common symptoms of this injury after an accident, and how a chiropractor can help.
What Is Dashboard Knee and Why Does It Happen?
Dashboard knee is an injury that occurs when the occupant of a vehicle hits their knees on the dashboard during a frontal collision. This may occur after rear ending a vehicle in front of you or following a head-on collision. The impact with your dashboard drives your shinbone backward, potentially straining or tearing the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) or fracturing the kneecap.
The PCL is a thick, strong ligament that prevents your shinbone from sliding too far back in relation to your thigh bone. During a front-end crash, the impact can cause the knee to flex and strike the dashboard, resulting in the partial tear or rupture of the PCL. Because of the intense force, this injury often includes other traumas, including:
- Patellar Fractures
- Meniscus Tears
- Other Ligament Damage (ACL, MCL, or LCL)
While dashboard knee will require immediate attention from your orthopedic specialist, you will also need appropriate rehabilitation following their treatment.
Common Symptoms of Knee, Hip, and Leg Injuries After a Car Accident
There are a variety of symptoms you may experience that point to a potential knee, hip, or leg injury. The most common symptoms immediately following your accident will include localized pain, swelling, bruising, and stiffness. In some cases, you may experience some more significant and concerning symptoms, including:
- Numbness and tingling
- Instability when walking
- Difficulty bearing weight
- A popping or clicking sensation
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or you cannot manage pain, even with proper rest, icing, and elevation, it is essential that you reach out to your medical team for immediate support. They can identify any major problems, including potential dashboard knee, and help you create an appropriate treatment plan.
How a Chiropractor Can Help Treat Joint Pain After a Vehicle Crash
While it is important to seek immediate attention from an orthopedic surgeon when dealing with dashboard knee, you will still need to go through appropriate rehabilitative care. While recovering from potential post-accident surgeries, you may want to reach out to a chiropractor about crafting an appropriate treatment plan.
It isn’t uncommon to experience some joint pain following an injury like this. That’s where your chiropractor can begin helping you find relief. If you’re experiencing joint pain, your chiropractor may recommend a variety of treatment options, including:
- Manual Adjustments: They will gently ease joints back into their proper place, reducing pressure on the surrounding nerves.
- Chiropractic Massage: This chiropractic technique will increase blood flow to feed nutrients to recently damaged tissue.
- Trigger Point Therapy: This can help to reduce inflammation and prevent scar tissue from forming in injured areas.
- Rehabilitative Exercise: They’ll provide you with a list of exercises and stretches to perform at home to support your care.
Why Early Evaluation Matters After a Front-End Collision
While chiropractic care following a car accident, especially a front-end collision, is important, it is even more crucial to seek prompt care. It is essential to prioritize any emergency care, but treatment for minor aches and pain can also make a major difference in your day-to-day life. As soon as emergency care is done, it’s time to reach out to your chiropractor.
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, you may not experience any discomfort. However, it isn’t uncommon to begin developing more significant pains in the days and weeks after an accident. This occurs as a result of adrenaline wearing off, revealing injuries you may not have noticed at first.
When you schedule a chiropractic appointment immediately after an accident, they can perform a comprehensive physical exam. During this exam, they can identify injuries that you may not have noticed immediately or that may inevitably lead to chronic pain. With this exam, you can begin treating these injuries immediately, preventing long-term discomfort.
Restoring Mobility and Comfort After a Dashboard Knee Injury
Following your immediate medical treatment for dashboard knee, you may notice changes in your mobility and potentially lingering discomfort when walking. There are a few things you should do to support the recovery of mobility and eliminate your pain. The first step is to allow yourself plenty of adequate rest.
Elevate your injured leg and use an ice pack and compression wraps to reduce your risk of swelling. From there, it is best to reach out to your chiropractor for support. They can begin to craft your ideal treatment plan and provide you with appropriate exercises and stretches to aid in your recovery and alleviate pain.
As you move through your treatment plan, it is important that you rebuild stability and strength. Make sure to perform strength training exercises and take walks every day to support the recovery of the impacted muscles and ligaments. With a little time and patience, you can trust that you’re taking adequate steps toward recovering from dashboard knee symptoms.
Let Us Help You Recover From Dashboard Knee
Dealing with any injuries following a car accident can be incredibly uncomfortable, but with professional support, you can trust that you’re on the road to recovery. At Muscle & Joint Chiropractic, our team understands just how important it is to seek prompt, comprehensive care. Whether you’re dealing with dashboard knee, a concussion, whiplash, or chronic back pain, our team has the training and tools to help you find lasting relief.
If you would like to work with a team who can help you restore pain-free walking following dashboard knee, don’t hesitate to contact us today.